Skyborne Celebrates Largest Cohort of Pilot Graduates in 2026

United Kingdom – Skyborne, one of the world’s leading airline pilot training academies, has celebrated 186 graduates at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, in its biggest graduation ceremony to date.

Those walking the stage have successfully completed UKCAA Integrated ATPL programmes across Skyborne’s bases in Vero Beach, Florida, U.S., as well as in Gloucestershire Airport and Bournemouth Airport in the UK.

Carla Booth, Group Commercial Director, Skyborne, says: “We continue to be impressed by the knowledge, skills and attitude shown by our graduates. On behalf of everyone who has supported our trainees throughout their journey – from engineers and flight instructors to support staff – we congratulate our newly qualified pilots and look forward to seeing them in the flight deck equipped to lead with confidence and professionalism.”

The graduation ceremony at the home of English rugby included a speech from Simon Shaw, former England rugby union player; Cameron Ruckley, training manager at easyJet; and support from Skyborne’s industry partners including Elevate(her) and Military vs Cancer.

Graduates will go on to fly for leading airlines and operators, including British Airways, easyJet, TUI, DHL and Jet2.com. Among them is Rathusan Ratnarajah, who was honoured on the night with the Skyborne Spirit award, for demonstrating strong leadership and uplifting his peers throughout his pilot training.

Rathusan Ratnarajah, Skyborne graduate, says: “Winning the Skyborne Spirit Award means a lot to me as it recognises the positivity and enthusiasm I try to bring to my training every day. I’ve always believed that smiles are contagious, and if I can make someone’s day a little brighter, then that’s something to be proud of. It’s great to know that a positive attitude can have such an impact on the people around you.”

Skyborne provides its trainees with structured career pathways through a range of airline programmes, including British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy, Jet2FlightPath, Ryanair’s Future Flyer Academy and easyJet FlightCrew Futures, as well as tagging partnerships. To find out more, please visit: skyborne.com/uk/

About Skyborne
Skyborne Airline Academy is one of the world’s leading airline pilot training academies, based at Vero Beach, Florida, United States, and Gloucestershire and Bournemouth Airports in the United Kingdom. Established by industry experts, Skyborne brings a fresh approach to airline pilot training.

Lee Woodward, CEO, has unsurpassed experience in commercial aviation, education and training. His vision has created a training environment where the highest standard of teaching, safety and relevant airline-style training is maintained, and interactive learning is encouraged.

Using a combination of tried and tested methods and the latest technology to assess competence, suitability, aptitude and resilience, Skyborne recruits the very best candidates to minimize additional training, reduce failure rates and provide airlines with better pilots.

Skyborne is proud to hold close relationships with the world’s leading airlines, offering opportunities for trainees as part of easyJet’s Flightcrew Futures programme, Ryanair’s Future Flyer Academy, British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy, Jet2.com’s Jet2FlightPath, the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program and the SkyWest Professional Pilot Pathway. Skyborne is also the only academy to support DHL Air (UK) with a fully funded Integrated ATPL training initiative for its employees. www.skyborne.com

Source: Skyborne